AFCP - Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation,United States of AmericaAFCP supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 developing countries around the world. AFCP supported projects include the restoration of ancient and historic buildings; assessment and conservation of rare manuscripts and museum collections; preservation and protection of important archaeological sites; and the documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques and indigenous languages.www.eca.state.gov.

DOA - Division of Antiquities in TanzaniaThe DOA is a department under the Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. It is mandated with the responsibility of protecting and managing the country’s cultural and historical heritage resources. The Division has spearheaded efforts to list various historical and cultural sites in Tanzania as World Heritage sites, among them being the Kondoa rock art sites (inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2006). www.mnrt.go.tz.

TARA - Trust for African Rock ArtTARA is committed to recording the rich rock art heritage of the African continent, to making this information widely accessible and, to the extent possible, safeguarding those sites most threatened by humans and nature. To achieve its mission, TARA works closely with communities where rock art is found as well as with national and international heritage bodies including the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.www.africanrockart.org.

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CONTENTS 6

14

8African Rock Art

Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan Statements

Tanzanian Rock Art

Rock Art of Kondoa

Kolo Sites

Pahi Sites

The People

Other Attractions

Conservation

Planning Your Stay

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2

3

4

6

7

8

11

17

19

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Published by: TARAIBSN: 9966-7453-4-3Text: David Coulson and Gloria K. BoronaCoordination: Terry Little, Diana Loubser, and Portia AllenThanks for support from Donatius Kamamba, Director and John Kimaro, Assistant Director Conservation, DOADesign and Layout: Richard Wachara Photos © David Coulson/TARA unless credited otherwise.TARA is registered in the United States of America as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. TARA is a member of the International Federation of Rock Art Organisations.Front Cover:Top, Kondoa Engagers’ Workshop (centre) and fine-line red paintings at Kondoa. Centre, Typical Kondoa landscape. Bottom, Late White paintings (centre) and fine-line red paintings at Kondoa. Back Cover: Top, Bubu River in dry season and Late White paintings at Kondoa. Bottom, Head of kudu bull, antelope, schematic man with elongated body and man holding bow. Late White paintings at Kondoa.

A pipe-player at Pahi traced by Dr Mary Leakey in the 1950s. Courtesy of the Leakey Family.

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Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan Statements“Africa’s rock art is the common heritage of all Africans, but it is more than that. It is the common

heritage of humanity.” President Nelson Mandela

“The rock art of Africa makes up one of the oldest and most extensive records on earth of human

thought. It shows the very emergence of the human imagination. It is a priceless treasure...Africa’s

rock art is the common heritage of all Africans, and of all people...Perhaps the greatest threat (to

this heritage) is neglect. A lack of resources, combined with a lack of official interest, has left too

many rock art sites unguarded against vandals and thieves. It is time for Africa’s leaders to take a

new and more active role. We must save this cultural heritage before it is too late.”

Kofi Annan, Secretary-General United Nations (2005)

African Rock ArtEvery continent, except Antarctica has rock art, but Africa has the greatest variety and some of

the oldest rock art on earth. Africa has far more rock art than any other continent, with at least 10

million images spread across more than 30 countries. Africa’s rock paintings and engravings are

our heritage: a heritage that informs us how our ancestors thought and perceived their world.

They are the earliest remaining evidence of spiritual/religious beliefs; they speak of Africa’s rich

history and culture, and a time long before writing was invented. Across Africa today, researchers

record and study the art, seeking its age, meaning and original purposes. Aware of emerging

conservation problems, African governments are creating management plans and encouraging

local communities to become involved in the art’s protection. Currently, there are 11 UNESCO

World Heritage rock art sites in Africa. Kondoa is the first such site in East Africa.

Zimbabwe

Morocco

Namibia

Libya

Uganda

Algeria

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Rock Art of KondoaThe Kondoa rock art sites are located on the

slopes of the Maasai escarpment that flanks

the western side of the Great Rift Valley in

central Tanzania. There are dozens of caves

and shelters with paintings of elongated

people, animals, hunting scenes, and abstract

markings. Like most hunter-gatherer paintings

found in eastern and southern Africa, the

Kondoa fine-line paintings have generally

been dated at more than 2,000 years old.

The art in Kondoa is also associated with

pastoralist and agriculturalist communities.

The paintings are directly and indirectly

associated with the living traditions of the

communities living near the sites and can

illustrate cultural continuity among the

societies that have inhabited the Kondoa area

over time.

Tanzanian Rock ArtThe Kondoa region of central Tanzania has the richest concentration of rock art in the country.

In 2006, Kondoa was nominated and listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage rock art sites in

Africa. There are rock art sites in many different parts of Tanzania, found near Singida, Iringa, and

in the Serengeti National Park as well as in the Lake Victoria and Eyasi Basins. Paintings at these

sites depict animals such as antelope, elephant, giraffe, and impala as well as human figures and

some geometric shapes. There is also rock art in the north east (near Mount Kilimanjaro) and in

the south west of the country. Some of the most recent paintings are from the so-called Late

White Period (last 1,500 years). These are typically geometric or abstract in style including some

schematic human figures, as distinct from the earlier red paintings of animals and humans. The

latter are mainly attributed to ancestors of today’s Sandawe and Hadza people who are found

in western Kondoa (Sandawe) and in the Lake Eyasi Basin (Hadza). Both groups speak “click”

languages similar to the languages spoken by today’s Bushmen/San people. Of the above art, it

is believed that the fine-line red paintings were the work of ancestral Sandawe. It is now known

that the Sandawe are genetically linked to the Bushmen, from more than 10,000 years ago.

Meanwhile the Hadza, who have different genetic origins, speak a different “click” language which

the Sandawe cannot understand. Traditionally, the Sandawe and Hadza are hunter-gathering

people and there is also a third hunter-gathering group who no longer survive in Tanzania, the

Twa or Batwa who have also left their paintings in this region.

Red in-filled paintings of giraffes facing right at large rock shelter near Pahi.

A park ranger in Moru Koppies, Serengeti National Park, in front of a rock gong which may have been used for

divining and communications.

Typical landscape including a large granite outcrop on the hillside above Pahi. At the base of the outcrop is a rock art site. Inset: Fine-line painting of a group of women with headdresses holding hands.

I have often wished over the years that the Tanzanian rock paintings might be better known and more widely appreciated. They are so beautiful and so important and are disappearing so fast. Dr Mary Leakey, Renowned Palaeontologist, 1983

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Kolo SitesAll three rock shelters are easily accessible

from below. These three sites face the

northern Steppe. The main site Mungomi wa

Kolo (Kolo 1 site) is a massive and imposing

rock shelter that can be reached by following

a winding footpath from the end of a four-

wheel drive dirt road (Bwasiri 2006). Most of

the art on these shelters consists of fine-line

red paintings of animals and people. These

are the most famous of the Kondoa paintings

and are also the most accessible. Kolo 1 site

has many paintings, some of which are very

faded, and is still used for secret rituals by the

local community. The other two shelters (Kolo

2 and 3) are not far from the main shelter but

are much smaller. The paintings are however

very varied and interesting. During the 1950s,

Dr Mary Leakey (legendary East African

palaeontologist and discoverer of 3.7 million

year Laetoli footprints in Tanzania) traced and

reproduced many of the paintings at these

sites. One of these reproductions is on page ii.

Panel with fine-line red paintings featuring three Kudu antelope and human figures at Thawi/Musyokyo, east of the Bubu River.

Fine-line painting at Kolo possibly of a woman with birds’ feet and a headdress or calabash.

Main Kolo panel (Kolo 1 site) with fine-line red paintings including elephants, antelope, and humans in headdresses.

Group of red human figures, apparently dancing or engaged in a ritual (Kolo 3 site).

Fine-line red paintings depicting reticulated giraffes facing right with red figure on right facing forward (Kolo 2 site).

A guide from the DOA stands close to a panel of Late White geometric art near Pahi.

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Pahi SitesSeveral of the main Pahi shelters are located

near the bottom of the escarpment, not far from

Pahi village. The Pahi sites showcase different

styles of art, associated with the three groups

of people (hunter-gatherers, agriculturists, and

pastoralists) that have inhabited the region

over time. The images found at Pahi include

giraffe, eland, kudu, zebra, human figures, and

geometric designs.

A huge boulder towers over an important Pahi site with numerous red and yellow fine-line paintings and Late White paintings.

Detail from top picture featuring early red and yellow paintings of mythical animals (?) as well as large geometric and abstract white paintings which are more recent (Pahi).

Painting of giraffe facing left next to ‘sun’ motif (Cheke).

Close up showing Late White geometric paintings next to a human figure.

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The PeopleKondoa District has been inhabited by

three major groups: hunter-gatherers

(Sandawe and Hadza); pastoralists (Iraqw,

Burenge, Wasi, Aragwa, Datoga, and Maasai);

and Bantu language-speakers (Warangi).

The Warangi are the largest ethnic group

in Kondoa (Bwasiri 2006). They are known

throughout the country by their Swahili

name of Warangi and their Kirangi

language. Subsistence agriculture is the

main economic activity for the people of

Kondoa. The main types of crops planted

include sunflower, onions, maize, beans, and

millet.

Warangi have practiced rituals for more

than a century. There is no clear time when

the practice started. Available evidence

suggests that it has been more than two

generations. In the past, elders met and

discussed matters facing their communities.

Appeasement of their ancestors was

through rituals which were practiced every

year. Rain making rituals were conducted

every October or November before the rain

season started. Circumcision ceremonies

were, on the other hand, initiated by

community members who had enough

food to feed the circumcised youth.

Other rituals like traditional healing

practices took place at any time of the

year. There were also rituals which were

performed by elders to protect their

communities from diseases and enemies.

The rock art sites, especially Kolo, have been

linked to these rituals.

Sandawe woman west of Kondoa whose ancestors once painted here.

Large leather storage bins for cereals and gourds at a traditional Sandawe dwelling.

Traditional Sandawe bow and arrows.

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View from a Kondoa rock shelter over Miombo woodlands.

Other AttractionsHistorical StructuresIn Kolo, there is the residence of Chief Mtemi and the Daati remnants, which are believed to be homesteads of the early Kolo inhabitants. In the Chuomo area, there is a magnificent waterfall that is believed to have special powers. There are several hot and cold springs in the area. The cold spring found at Mnenia is believed to have healing qualities and is surrounded by several sacred trees. In the past, women were not allowed into the area unless they were cleansed by the elders.

Kondoa Natural Hot SpringLocal oral history states that an elephant was seen entering this hot spring and that it never came out. It is believed that, after this incident, the volume of the spring increased significantly to the point where it now supplies water to the whole of Kondoa.

Tarangire National ParkLocated in Bahati District, the park is close to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. It is right in the middle of the Tanzania northern circuit. This park is probably best known for its large herds of elephants, which are thought to be some of the largest in Tanzania. The park is adorned with beautiful baobab trees and a superb variety of wildlife. For more information, visit www.tanzaniaparks.com/tarangire.html.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation

Area Authority, the main area attractions are

the Ngorongoro Volcanic Crater (above right).

This crater happens to be the world’s largest

unbroken caldera. The crater hosts over

25,000 animals including Africa’s Big Five (lion,

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elephant, buffalo (right), rhino, and leopard).

It was also declared a man and biosphere

reserve in 1971, because the Maasai and the

natural wildlife coexist in the area. For more

information about the site, visit

www.ngorongorocrater.org.

Olduvai GorgeThe pre-historic site

is where the oldest

hominid in eastern

Africa was discovered

in 1951.

Lake Manyara National ParkLake Manyara is famous for two things: the large herds of elephants that can be seen lazing around and the tree climbing lions. The lake is also host to thousands of birds, cheetah, hippos, and the impala. The park might be small, but it hosts a good variety of wildlife and is definitely worth a visit. For more information, visit www.tanzaniaparks/manyara.html.

Serengeti National Park In Maasai, ‘Serengeti’ means the land that never ends. The park is undoubtedly famous for the wildebeest and zebra migration. The park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also hosts the African Big Five, and other animals like the roan antelope, eland, Oryx, and gazelle. It also boasts over 500 birds species such as the falcon, secretary bird, and the Karamoja apalis. For more information about the site, visit www.serengeti.org.

Ol Doinyo Lengai Crater‘Ol Doinyo Lengai’ means the Mountain of God in the Maasai language. This active volcano is situated in the Rift Valley north east of the Ngorongoro Crater. The last major eruption took place in 1968. The prevailing wind at that time carried the hot ash over the Serengeti Park where thousands of animals died as a result. The record of eruptions on the mountain dates back to 1883.

Rock Art Specialist, the late Alec Campbell of TARA, looking at alarge panel of White Paintings at Pahi mainly featuring giraffe.

ConservationRock art is fragile and irreplaceable. It is

threatened by natural phenomena (wind,

sun, dust, and rain) but the greatest threat

to the sites is human activities. Graffitti,

charcoal burning, prospecting for treasure,

deforestation, and cultivation in the

conservation area are some of the main

human activities that endanger the Kondoa

sites. In 2009, TARA formalised a partnership

with the DOA in order to implement a Kondoa

Community Rock Art Project. The project aims

to promote Kondoa’s rock art for tourism in a

sustainable manner ensuring that the accruing

benefits are felt at the community level. When

communities are engaged in the management

of the sites, there is a higher chance of

wanting to protect the sites. In 2009, a series

of community meetings were held resulting in

an action plan that addresses implementation

Granite chips used for construction from boulders next to an iconic painting site. Illegal quarrying is a serious threat.

Illegal excavation under a painting site made by people who believe the Germans buried gold here in 1918.

In some areas deforestation is severely defacing the natural beauty of the environments where the sites are located.

Illegal charcoal burning pit close to a site with freshly cut logs ready for burning. This is the main reason for deforestation.

TARA and the DOA believe in engaging communities in the management of sites (Kondoa Engagers’ Workshop).

Local Belief Meeting (Kolo) about rock art and conservation in Tanzania.

of the recommendations made in the 2004 Kondoa Rock Art Sites Management Plan. Under the

Antiquities Act of 1964, any rock painting or immovable object painted, sculpted, carved, incised

or modified by any human agency in Tanzania before the year 1863 are protected by law.

Additional conservation efforts include a DOA/AFCP/TARA project involving a community

engagers’ workshop, research on local beliefs, signage placement, training, and a local campsite

initiative. TARA and the DOA have also received funding from the African World Heritage Fund to

work with communities to ensure protection and promotion of the sites in Kondoa.

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You can get to Kondoa World Heritage Site (Kolo town, north of Kondoa town) by

private car via Arusha in the north or Dodoma in the south. From Arusha, it takes

approximately 3 ½ hours of driving time to get to Kolo. From Dodoma, it should take

a bit less. You can also go by bus from Arusha or Dodoma, in each case approximately

a five-hour journey. Buses run daily from both cities. From Kondoa, Kolo is around one

hour by bus. Visitors coming by bus from Arusha should get off at Kolo bus stop before

reaching Kondoa.

Planning Your Stay The Mary Leakey campsite (next to the Kolo River) offers attractive views of the Kondoa

area and the dominant Brachystegia tree species known locally as Miombo woodlands.

The campsite is next to the track which leads to the Kolo rock art sites. It is located

where the renowned palaeontologist Dr Mary Leakey used to camp when working

here in the 1950s. Ref page ii for an example of Mary Leakey’s drawings. The campsite

is community-run. Telephone: +255 798 721605. Other accommodation options in

Kondoa: New Geneva in Africa Hotel. Telephone: +255 787 894804. New Planet Hotel.

Telephone: +255 784 669322. Sunset Beach Hotel. Telephone: +255 784 948858.

Kondoa Region

For further information, please contact the DOA (doa@amnrt.go.tz)or TARA (tara@africanrockart.org).

2019

Code of Conduct

The State of Rock Art TodayRock art has survived heat, cold, blown sand, wind, and rain (even if today some

paintings are faded and pieces of engravings are eroded). The art may look strong, but

it is not. It is fragile and easily damaged.

Visiting Rock Art SitesRead about rock art before setting out, this will immeasurably enhance your

understanding and, thus, your enjoyment. Take the trouble to make sure you will be

travelling with a really knowledgeable guide. Make certain sufficient time is allowed

in your schedule to view the art properly. Once at the site, you will want to spend time

viewing the surrounding environment, photographing the rock art without a flash and

finding out more information about the rock art.

How to Avoid Damaging the Art or the Site1. Do  not  touch  the  paintings. Your fingers leave sweat and oil marks on the rock

which cannot be removed. 2. Do not put any liquids on the paintings. They cause the paintings to fade.3. Do not make your own paintings or write your name on the rocks. This destroys

the value of the paintings and spoils the experience for other visitors.4. Do not litter. Take your rubbish with you when you leave or use the trash bin

provided.

The sites and all you find at them are part of Tanzania’s national heritage, so please

respect these sites. Please also respect the community traditions, and ask permission

before taking any photos.

LOCATION OF KONDOA IRGANGI ROCKPAINTINGS AT KONDOA DISTRICT

Beneko

Kisase

Masange

Kinyasi Kati

KONDOA

Sambwa

DODOMA DISTRICT

MA

NYA

RA R

EGEI

ON

PahiItundwi

MANYARA REGION

SINGID

A REGION

KO

ND

OA

D

IS

TR

IC

T

Major Town

Major Roads

Rock Art Sites

Key

Capital City

Airports

0 100 200 300km

0 100 200 300mi

Tanzania

SingidaKondoa

L. victoria KenyaArusha

Kilimajaro

LakeVictoria

LOCATION OF KONDOA IRANGI ROCK PAINTINGS AT KONDOA DISTRICT